Connor is delighted to shut down Manu
Jake Connor admits his confidence is sky high after shutting down New Zealand star Joseph Manu in England’s first Test win over the Kiwis.
The Hull FC playmaker started at left centre for the national side at the
KCOM Stadium and bagged a crucial first-half try shortly before the break.
Connor also kicked three goals but it was the 24-year-old’s defensive efforts which led to praise from coach Wayne Bennett, with the versatile back delighted to halt the dominance of Manu, who has starred for Sydney Roosters in the NRL this season.
“Playing for England just lifts your shoulders even more,” Connor told the Mail.
“You get a lot of confidence from playing for your country and you have to step up to the mark. You have to concentrate throughout the 80 minutes.
“My defence is something I really need to work on. Sometimes I have been a bit average but my one-on-one defence is improving.
“Coming up against Manu was good. He stepped on the field and I thought to myself he looked bigger than he does on TV. I thought I was in for a battle. I just had that mindset to try and shut him down when he got hold of the ball.
“I didn’t want him to get early ball and get away with things. I knew I had to shut him down. It’s definitely one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in rugby league but I enjoyed it.”connor and England shone in defence at the KCOM Stadium as the national team produced a gritty performance to get over the line. Connor also provided ten of his side’s 18 points and explained how he landed the kicking duties.
“We came up against a tough Kiwi side and it’s one of the toughest games I’ve ever played in,” Connor added. “It wasn’t one for the attack and it was more about the defence. Our defence was outstanding and that got us through the game.
“I don’t really like the pressure of kicking but I find I’m alright with it. I missed one from the sideline which I was gutted about but I was just happy to come away with the win.
“There are not many kickers in this team surprisingly. Sam Tomkins is one of them and we had a chat. I’ve kicked really well this season and he just said I could do it this week and he’ll take kick-offs. It went really well.”